Bhadla Solar Park Damaged in Rajasthan Storm

Jodhpur, Jun 2 (PTI) One of the plants at Bhadla Solar Park -- a 2.25 GW solar energy generation hub in Phalodi district -- has suffered losses in a cyclonic storm that struck the desert region on Saturday.

With over 10 million solar panels installed from different companies -- both private and public -- spread across about 56 sq km area, only one plant has reportedly suffered disruption, according to the administration.

Collector (Phalodi) Ankit Kumar Singh said no major destruction has been reported in the solar park due to the high velocity cyclonic wind so far.

"Only a plant set up by Acme Solar Holdings Ltd with a total generation capacity of 300 MW has suffered some damage," Singh said, adding that the loss estimates are being undertaken.


He said outside Bhadla, the distribution system of the RVVNL has suffered some damage like uprooting and falling of poles and other structures and snapping of power lines meant for power distribution.

Officials are attending to the affected areas and restoration work is in full swing, he said.

However, sources said the damage is far more widespread.

"There is huge damage to solar plants in villages like Baap, Kanasar, Nikh, Badi Did, etc.," a local journalist said.

According to official sources, close to 700 solar panels have been uprooted in the storm. Electric distribution system in these areas have suffered a severe damage and about 800 poles have been reportedly fallen, disruptingelectric supply in some villages.